Labor Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes has today congratulated Environmental Officer for the Rural City of Wangaratta, Adele Ritchie for being recognised in the 2015: Victorian Landcare Awards. The Victorian Landcare Awards are held every two years to celebrate the achievements of landcarers in Victoria. Its a welcome chance for us to say thank you to them, These awards are a rare opportunity to raise environmental awareness by shining a spotlight on the hard work of community-minded volunteers that benefits us all Ms Symes said. The Andrews Labor Government supports the Landcare Awards because they celebrate community-minded people who are undertaking projects across Victoria that have made significant contributions to the sustainable care of their local environments. I congratulate Adele for delivering strong environmental outcomes to the Wangaratta community. This award is recognition of the fantastic work she has achieved through innovative approaches to practical on-ground work, community awareness programs and collaborative partnerships with 11 rural Landcare groups. Next year Victoria will celebrate 30 years of Landcare, so it is great to have so many outstanding winners in the national category awards, who will be representing Victoria in the 2016 National Landcare Awards Ms Symes said. The Labor Government is committed to strengthening and building Landcare to ensure it continues to deliver real, on the ground results and meets Victorias current and future environmental needs.